Dhaka: Bangladesh fielding coach Ashiqur Rahman Majumdar stated that the players are preparing both mentally and physically as they gear up to face Australia in a two-match Test series. The team is currently in Australia, focusing on preparations for the challenging series, with the first Test scheduled for next Thursday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ashiqur noted that the players have been steadily improving and working diligently on their fielding, particularly in areas crucial for the longer format of cricket. “Day by day, the players are improving, they are working hard. Especially since it is a longer version of cricket, there is more catching practice like slip catch, high catch, deep fine leg, deep square leg. Alhamdulillah, they are doing very well,” Ashiqur conveyed in a video message released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The fielding coach emphasized the benefits gained from a practice match, highlighting the players’ adaptability to the conditions. He mentioned that the practice match was a positive experience, with players demonstrating good fielding skills and taking important catches. Ashiqur stressed the importance of adapting quickly to conditions worldwide, stating, “It was very good to play a practice match. Everyone fielded well in the practice match. They took good catches. The condition is in our minds. The faster we can adapt anywhere in the world, the better.”
With Test cricket requiring sustained concentration over five days, Ashiqur expressed confidence in the players’ mental readiness for the challenge. “Alhamdulillah, our players are mentally ready. Cricket is a game of bat and ball. We are preparing both mentally and physically,” he remarked.
He also underscored the significance of converting half-chances into dismissals, particularly in Test cricket where opportunities can be scarce. “The biggest thing in using half chances in fielding is to maintain concentration. In the longer version, you will see that the ball does not come for a long time, but suddenly one comes and you have to catch that one,” Ashiqur explained. He further emphasized, “Especially in the longer version of cricket, the main goal is to turn half chances into full chances. We are working on how to keep up the concentration.”